Join Louisa, Ms. Carol, and friends in this once weekly, 6 week book club as we read and discuss this surprising tale of life on the prairie, full of delightfully unexpected twists and turns, and ending in a thoroughly satisfying happy ending! 

Louisa Brody’s life on the Colorado prairie is not at all what she expected. Her dear Pa, accused of thievery, is locked thirty miles away in jail. She’s living with the awful Smirches, her closest neighbors and the very family that accused her Pa of the horrendous crime. And now she’s discovered one very cantankerous—and magical—secret beneath the hazel grove. With her life flipped upside-down, it’s up to Louisa, her sassy friend Jessamine, and that cranky secret to save Pa from a guilty verdict. Will they be successful? Prairie Thief is an absolute delightful read by Melissa Wiley that your students are sure to adore! 

In this multi-day class, we will meet once weekly for 6 weeks to dive deep. During class time, full participation in class discussion is expected. There is grace for a shy student, of course, but students will be encouraged to dive into the discussion as they acclimate to the group. Each student will have a turn to share their thoughts and ideas. I will have questions and discussion prompts ready each week, should conversation lag.  After our discussion time, we will end with a game if time permits! My book clubs are typically highly engaging, highly interactive, very lively! 

Chapters will be assigned to be read ahead of time, before class. There are 31 chapters in this book, but it is not a difficult read. All of class time will be dedicated to discussing the books, applying critical thinking, discussing characters, plot, and other literary aspects, designing a book cover, and ending with a fun game, all related to the book. Snacks are always welcome! 

Please read chapters BEFORE class! 

10/31 - Chapters 1-5
11/7 - Chapters 6-10
11/14 - Chapters 11-15
11/21 - Chapters 16-20
11/28 - NO CLASS FOR THANKSGIVING, 🦃
12/5 - Chapters 21-25
12/12 - Chapters 26-31